Monthly Archives: February 2026

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Matthew: God’s Next Phase

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Read Matthew 1

Watching buildings under construction is an exercise in waiting. At times it seems like nothing is happening. Construction vehicles come and go but no structure rises above the ground. Finally, the building pokes out. Then things slow down again as work progresses out of sight. Suddenly, one day, people are living there!

Today, we begin our journey through the New Testament. After 400 years without direct revelation, God’s plan to redeem our broken world seemed not to be going anywhere. The Jewish people had returned from exile and found themselves in their homeland, but without a king and without significant blessing. They struggled with faith. The idolatry was gone, replaced by religiosity that needed a heart change. Then suddenly, God’s plan entered its next phase.

We begin the Gospel of Matthew, where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and informed her that she would participate with God in a miraculous way. She had been chosen to give birth to a child who would “save his people from their sins” (v. 21). This is the first of many moments in the New Testament that directly answer events of the Old Testament. In Genesis, Adam and Eve sinned, plunging the world into darkness, but Jesus (His name means Yahweh Saves) will undo the consequences of that early disobedience. Sin was humanity’s greatest challenge! Prior to this moment Israel relied on sacrifices that couldn’t completely atone for their sins. Now God would offer a sacrifice that would put sin away forever.

To remind his readers that this was always the plan of God, Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah who predicted that the miraculous birth of a Son would signal God’s presence with Israel to deliver them. Like the grand opening of a building, the next step was finally here!

Go Deeper

How surprising was Jesus’ arrival to those alive at that time? Why is it significant that Matthew quotes the prophet Isaiah? Extended Reading:

Matthew 1–3

Pray with Us

Lord Jesus, we rejoice that You came to earth to live with us, to walk with us, and to save us. Thank You, Almighty God, that You speak to Your people through Your Son.

You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.Matthew 1:21

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Abounding Love

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He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Today’s Scripture

Philippians 1:3-11

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Today’s Devotional

At the last night of summer camp, my teenage self felt conspicuous as I stood alone in a group of campers. When one of them mocked me, I felt hurt. I ran back to my tent, pretending to sleep when the group leader checked on me. The next morning I avoided her attempt to talk about it.

She later wrote to me, helping me understand that God truly cared for me. She quoted from the apostle Paul: We can be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). I felt like the apostle’s words were directed right to me.

Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, which he’d planted over a decade earlier, to encourage them to root their love for God and each other “in knowledge and depth of insight” (v. 9). God would carry on His work in and through them as He filled them “with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (v. 11). At the time I didn’t understand the original context, but I started to comprehend that my identity as one loved by God came from knowing and accepting the love of Jesus.

God desires that we receive His love and that it would abound in us more and more. As He fills us with His joy and peace, we’ll grow in the knowledge not only of Him but of His good work in us.

Reflect & Pray

How does knowing that God will complete His work in you shape you? How can you root your identity in Christ more deeply?

Creator God, You made me and love me. Please help me look to You always for love, joy, and help.

For further study, read Remade in the Image of Jesus.

Today’s Insights

Paul writes to encourage his spiritual children whom he lovingly describes as “God’s holy people . . . who belong to Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:1 nlt). He’s praying they’ll mature in their faith and become more like Christ (vv. 9-11; see 1 Thessalonians 3:12). The apostle doesn’t simply want them to love each other; he wants them to overflow with God’s love (Philippians 1:9 nlt). Because God is love and He’s demonstrated His love by sending His Son to die for our sins, the apostle John commands us to love one another just as God loved us (1 John 4:7-12): “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect” (vv. 16-17 nlt). Our identity as believers is rooted in knowing that God made us and loves us.

 

http://www.odb.org

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Wait with Purpose

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My [inner] self [as well as my body] is also exceedingly disturbed and troubled. But You, O Lord, how long [until You return and speak peace to me]? Return [to my relief], O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of Your steadfast love and mercy.

Psalm 6:3-4 (AMPC)

Avoid getting negative when you look at your circumstances. Actively wait on God to give you strength to walk in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Wait with purpose, silently listening for Him to speak, eagerly watching for Him to act.

Tell Him, “Lord, I receive strength to be Your ambassador and witness. Your Word tells me to love people who mistreat me. Though it is hard to do in the natural, I receive strength from You to be loving today.”

Then watch for the opportunity to act godly as He gives you strength to do so.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, strengthen me as I wait on You. Help me respond with love, patience, and the fruit of the Spirit, even when circumstances are difficult. Use my life as Your witness today, amen.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org